Oh boy! Here comes summer! The birds are chirping at sparrow fart …

Oh boy! Here comes summer! The birds are chirping at sparrow fart and the sun is staying up until late in the evening! Most of you will be counting down the days to a well deserved break and precious time spent with family and friends over the summer holidays!

PLEASE NOTE ** We will not be closing at all this year ** So you can continue to place your orders without any disruption.

We have had a nice little bout of rain recently which the gardens have been loving! Sadly we didn’t have quite enough rain over Winter and our dam levels are still very low. As we approach a hot and windy summer our gardens will continue to need water. This week we wanted to focus a bit of tips for the garden and water saving ideas!

**10 WATER SAVING TIPS**

1. Turn the tap off when you brush your teeth. This can save up to 6 litres of water per minute.
2. Take shorter showers.
3. Invest in water efficient goods when you are replacing household tools. You can now purchase water efficient shower heads, taps, toilets, washing machines and dishwashers.
4. Place a cistern displacement device in your toilet to reduce the volume of water used in a flush.
5. Fix any dripping taps in your house. A dripping tap can waste up to 15 litres of water a day.
6. Always wash a full load in your washing machine or dishwasher to avoid excessive cycles throughout the week.
7. Fill a jug with water for your fridge. This will avoid running the tap excessively to cool the flow.
8. Install a water meter. This will hold you more accountable for the amount of water you are using and paying for.
9. Install a water butt to your drainpipe and use the collected water to water your garden, or wash your car.
10. Use a watering can to water your garden rather than a hosepipe. Use mulch to surround your plants and water the garden in teh early morning and late evening to reduce evaporation.

*HOW-TO grow cherry Tomatoes*
– Cherry tomatoes are a great fruit to grow in a small space. They produce small, round fruits that are suitable for fresh eating and salads.
– Transplant the cherry tomato plants from the container to your garden into soil with a pH of 6.2 – 6.8 in full sunlight. On the day that you plant them make sure to water liberally and use a nitrogen fertilizer.
– Try not to touch or disturb the roots when handling the plants and space them 24 inches/61 cm apart in the soil.
– Continue to water the plants on a regular basis. Tomatoes benefit from a deep water so that the water soaks down to the deeper roots. Mulch 5 weeks after planting to retain moisture.
– Continue to fertilise with a nitrogen fertiliser until the plant blossoms. After blossoming switch to a fertiliser high in phosphorous and potassium.
– Tomato plants take 50-90 days to mature. Keep the leaves dry to reduce bacterial growth.

*HOW-TO grow Mint*
– Spearmint is a hardy perennial with a bright green leaf and a lavender toned spiked flower.
– Transplant the spearmint plants in partial shade in a well draining, rich, moist soil with a pH of 6.5 – 7. Place the plants 15 inches/ 38 cm apart
– Once planted spearmint takes off very quickly and can easily take over with it’s runner. You can plant any mints into hanging baskets or containers to control its growth.
– Mulch the surrounding ground annually to keep the ground cool and moist.
– Plant mint near cabbage and tomatoes.

*HOW-TO grow green Peppers*
– Green peppers are the ideal plant for any budding (ahem) gardener. This plant will produce vibrant and hearty green vegetables.
– Dig a trench before planting and place the plants 18 inches/45 cm apart in full sun with rich, aerated soil. The outside temp should be consistently at least 18 C before you plant into your trench.
– Cover the roots of the plant with dirt and compost. Water regularly to keep the soil moist and warm.
– Allow the peppers to grow to a minimum of 4 inches/ 10 cm before picking. This can take between 50-70 days.

*HOW-TO grow Marigold*
– Marigolds are the perfect companion plant as its scent repels animals and insects and the underground workings repel worms and other pests. This bright, cheerful plant will liven and lighten up any garden.
– Though they grow in most any soil they thrive in mod, fertile, well drained soil. Do not fertilise marigolds. This will stimulate foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Make sure to water at the base of the plant and not overhead. They love lots of sunshine.
– Space the plants 3 ft/91 cm apart.
– Dead-heading the blossoms will encourage ongoing growth.
– In flower arrangements, strip off any leaves that may be under water to discourage an overly pungent odour.

**RECIPE**

*BLOSSOM ICE CUBES*
– Gently rinse your pesticide free blossoms.
– Boil water for 2 minutes to ensure the water is air free. This will ensure your ice blocks are crystal clear.
– Remove the water from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
– Place a blossom at the bottom of each compartment of your ice tray.
– Pour the cooled water into each compartment until half way and freeze.
– After the water is frozen solid, top up each compartment to the brim and freeze. Keep frozen until ready to use.

**EVENTS**
Join us this Sunday 29 November at CPUT at 11am for the Climate March #FoodSovereignty. It will be a legal and peaceful gathering.